Ipswich Town have secured their place in the Championship play-off semi-finals – just – thanks to a helping hand from Reading.

Even though Ipswich lost 3-2 away to Blackburn Rovers today, and Brentford won 3-0 against Wigan to leapfrog Town into fifth, the Royals knocked three past Derby County without reply.

That meant Ipswich, level on points with Brentford and Wolves, were topped by the former but stayed above the latter on goal difference while Derby were a single point behind.

Now the Blues’ place in the end-of-season promotion decider comes with something which will bring fans delight and nerves in equal measure – another pair of East Anglian derbies.

Ipswich finishing sixth in the table means they will face third-placed Norwich City who won 4-2 against Fulham.

In the play-offs the team finishing third plays that ending the regular season in sixth, while fourth meets fifth, home and away on consecutive weekends.

The first match dates are Friday 8 and Saturday 9 May, with the reverse fixtures on Friday 15 and Saturday 16.

The first fixture will be played next weekend at Portman Road with a 12.15pm kickoff time. The Tractor Boys will then travel up the A140 to Carrow Road seven days later for the second leg, also starting at 12.15pm.

The winner on aggregate (both matches’ scores combined) will play the winner of the other semi-final (fifth-placed Brentford v fourth-placed Middlesbrough) in a one-game final at Wembley Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

Who ever wins that will gain promotion to the Premier League and an estimated £140million windfall.

Game kick-off times may be subject to change. All Championship play-off matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.